The master plan proposal for a cultural district overlooking Sarasota Bay could offer a new public amenity. It also promises to boost the arts economy in the entire region with the expansion of cultural institutions and the potential construction of a landmark venue overlooking the water. “It could create a new, iconic sense of place that will define the whole county’s image,” says Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County.

Consultants from Sasaki last week unveiled its master plan presentation at a pair of public events. The plan would leave in place the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, as well as beloved structures like the Blue Pagoda and Municipal Auditorium. It would also call for a new performing arts hall located just south of the 10th Street Boat Ramp, an expansion of the Art Center Sarasota, a waterfront drive, pedestrian bridges over docks and a multi-use recreation trail.

Lisa Berger, executive director of Art Center Sarasota, says the facilities there need to grow to make room for educational and office space, and because the cost of that growth would be substantially less than the creation of new venues, the improvements could happen early in the execution of a master place. “We could be doing many more things with this space,” she said.

Meanwhile, organizations like the Sarasota Orchestra have announced they will likely move their concert hall, offices and education facility to another part of town, a practical move that also could reduce risk that comes with waterfront exposure in a storm.

But other performance venues will remain and expand on the bay.

Bill Waddill, managing director of The Bay effort, says organizers envision it taking 10 to 15 years to completely build out all facets of the master plan, and the total cost could run from $100 million to $150 million. And organizations leasing space on the Bayfront right now will all move froward with their own long-range plans. “They all need their own plans to be economically and financially sustainable,” he says. Some of those organizations will grow faster than others, of course. The Van Wezel Foundation would likely have a major role in planning the new performance venue on the bay in addition to plotting the future of the Purple Cow. “We’re still not clear who is going to operate it,” Waddill said of the new venue.

Haley says she now wants to know more details about financing the ambitious master plan. “The focus now needs to be on the details and phasing,” she says. She expects the project could be supported in part by tourist development tax, though that’s dependent on how successful efforts are to reach the goal of raising $30 million in tax revenue with the recent increases in local hotel inventory.

Waddell says 15 to 20 different funding sources have been explored on some level. The master plan from Sasaki. In addition to bed tax, the project could be supported by local philanthropy, grants from the city, county, state or federal government, and the potential certain of a tax increment financing district. Operating revenue sources could come from membership fees, sponsorships, facilities rentals, and potential community development or business improvement district.

Rendering Courtesy Sasaki

[Healthcare]Sarasota Memorial Cardio Named Center of Excellence

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s heart program is the first in Florida and fourth in the nation to receive the American Heart Association’s Cardiovascular Center of Excellence accreditation, a comprehensive level of designation for cardiovascular care. As an accredited Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Sarasota Memorial’s cardiac team demonstrated that it met or exceeded standards established using multidisciplinary treatment models for all types of cardiovascular patients. The standards include 24/7 cardiovascular services, comprehensive training for all staff caring for this patient population, a strong internal and external systems-of-care approach to deliver services and extensive community outreach to help its population recognize and participate in cardiovascular health. SMH underwent rigorous reviews by the American Heart Association’s accreditation review team. During the reviews, cardiovascular quality improvement specialists reviewed the hospital’s policies, procedures and operations to ensure appropriate diagnosis, treatment and education protocols were in place and executed for cardiovascular patients. The facility also had to demonstrate efforts to increase community awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health.

Williams Parker land use attorney Charlie Bailey recently participated in the infrastructure groundbreaking ceremony for the Quay Sarasota Waterfront District, representing GreenPointe Communities, owner and developer of the property. Plans for the $1-billion mixed-use redevelopment of the nearly 15-acre former Quay site include 695 residential units, 175 hotel rooms, 38,972 square feet of office space, and 189,050 square feet of commercial space. Bailey counsels developers and landowners on a variety of land use matters, including developments of regional impact, comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings and development agreements, and has been involved in a significant number of development projects throughout Sarasota.

Dr. Fabian A. Ramos, founder of The Ramos Center for Interventional and Functional Pain Medicine, received the 2018 Community Health Advocacy Award from Sarasota Medical Alliance Foundation and Society. Each year, the Sarasota Medical Alliance Foundation and Society selects one to three individuals or organizations that have shown outstanding efforts in forwarding health-related initiatives or volunteer organizations which bring better health and wellness to Sarasota County. Ramos was chosen for his participation in the Drug Free Sarasota Physician Advocate Award Program, which addresses how Sarasota's doctors are now helping Drug Free Sarasota spread the latest information on the most pressing issues of prescription drug abuse and misuse issues occurring in the community. This program received the Southern Medical Association Alliance's Best Health Project award for 2017 (regional), was one of three finalists for the national award from the American Medical Association Alliances, and was selected as one of five "hometown heroes" to present health projects nationally.

The 34th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, offers events for the entire family to enjoy. Powerboat racing will take place off Lido Beach on July 1 broadcasted by CBS Sports, with boats racing at speeds over 100 MPH. Other Festival events include a Golf Classic, Car Show, Kickoff Party, Racer Autograph Signing, A Fan Festival, Downtown Block Party, Motorcycle Charity Ride and much more. The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is produced by, and benefits, Suncoast Charities for Children supporting local children and adults with special needs.

[TODAY]PERFORMANCE:
Summer Circus Spectacular , June 12 – July 28

The 2018 Circus Spectacular will amaze and dazzle you. Join the performers for an hour of incredible family fun at affordable prices. Presented in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota, this onstage exhibition of circus artistry provides delightful summer entertainment for “children of all ages.”

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

Join Marina Jack for their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Independence Day between 11:00 am-10:00pm. Indulge in the decadent menus from the Dining Room, Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill and Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar all while enjoying the magnificent display of lights in the sky. Marina Jack II will host a three-hour cruise featuring a buffet, live music and premier viewing of the fireworks display.

Enjoy the great outdoors with a kayak paddle led by John Sarkozy, through Nokomis and the Curry Creek Preserve. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. Bring drinking water, suncreen and your sense of adventure.

[SOON]SCIENCE AND NATURE:
Kayak Trip From Snook Haven Down The Myakka River , July 10, 8:30am-11:30am

Take a kayak trip led by John Sarkozy from the wild and scenic Myakka River, and travel downstream from Snook Haven. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 per person for ALS members and $25 for non-members. For those who want it, there will be a short training session given before launch.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]MUSIC:
Tops from Flops , July 11 – July 22

A musical review of America’s most treasured musical theater songs that came from some of Broadways biggest fiascos. Enjoy an evening of great and enduring all-time hits from composers like: George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and many more! An exuberant tour through the last 75 years of Broadways musical giants all spawned from Broadways biggest flops.

Troupes are coming from all over the country, from as far away as France and Spain, all ready to bring their best spontaneous hilarity to the Gulf Coast. Featuring an unprecedented THREE headliners - Baby Wants Candy (Chicago), Impro Madrid (Spain) and Impro Theatre(LA) - one for each day of the Festival. Plus, several returning favorites includingNorth Coast (NYC), Parallelogramophonograph (Austin, TX), ImprovBoston (Boston, MA), STACKED (Chicago, IL) and Available Cupholders (Austin, TX).

Enjoy quiet water, open-seated kayaking and exploration from Casperson Beach to Lemon Bay. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]SCIENCE AND NATURE:
Kayak Trip Through The Waterways of Nokomis , July 17, 8:30am-11:30am

John Sarkozy will lead a kayak expedition through the bays and canals around Nokomis, exploring the small islands, the birds and the marine life of the area. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training class will be offered before the launch, for those interested.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]THEATER:
The Music of the Night , July 17 – August 19

The Swingaroos return to the cabaret with an all-new show—Music of the Night. Offering their swingin'est versions of songs embraced by the worlds of theatre and jazz, this hit show overflows with hits by the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Kander & Ebb and many more. With a touch of 30s and 40s flair and bold arrangements, The Swingaroos lend a spirited voice to the most-cherished American songs and personalities of the past century.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]THEATER:
The Little Mermaid , July 20 – July 21

Disney's The Little Mermaid is a stage musical based on the animated 1989 Disney film of the same name about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find love. Come see the theater bring classic underwater tale alive.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton

[SOON]SCIENCE AND NATURE:
Kayak Trip From Snook Haven Down The Myakka River , July 24, 8:30am-11:30am

Take a kayak trip led by John Sarkozy from the wild and scenic Myakka River, and travel downstream from Snook Haven. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 per person for ALS members and $25 for non-members. For those who want it, there will be a short training session given before launch.

American Littoral Society

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine.Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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SRQ Media transforms what it means to live and love local through its portfolio of hyper-local print and online publications including its flagship city regional SRQ Magazine, its documentary, and video production division Moving Stories and non-profit development division Story Project. The SRQ Media team leverages its strong audience footprint to catalyze visionary community programs such as SB2: Regional Symposia Series, Women in Business, SMARTgirl, SkillSHARE and ProjecThinkby engaging individuals to positively impact their hometown of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area situated on the vibrant West Coast of Florida.

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